Congratulations!  You got a job! Here’s how to keep it:

Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Be willing to schedule appointments and make copies.  When you decide you’re too good for that your boss will stop asking you  for help and you’re going to end up being fired because they don’t need you.

Beware of gossiping.  Be careful what you share with other people.  Your co-workers are not your best friends.   80%  of your interactions should be professional and productive.  Leave a small amount for quick venting or a recap of your weekend.

Be prepared.  It might mean working extra but you’ll be more informed for asking pertinent questions and offering new ideas.

If you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to admit it.  That’s how you learn.

Pay attention to detail.  Realize you have to earn people’s respect. 

Don’t just be anybody at a desk, be a someone with a career.

By: Janet Hershman – Senior Staffing Consultant & Recruiter at Imprimis

Janet Hershman currently holds the position of Senior Staffing Consultant/Recruiter for Imprimis.  She has over 22 years of experience as a Recruiter in the Dallas area.  At Imprimis, she recruits for office, accounting, bilingual, customer service, medical, mortgage and banking, and professional positions.  Janet attended the University of Texas where she studied Radio and Television. To contact Janet, email jhershman@imprimis.com.

Resumes are important when you are job hunting, but too many people forget to pay attention to the cover letter that goes with it. Generally the cover letter is the first thing a potential employer looks at in your application packet and they almost always look at it before they look at your resume.

Here are some common mistakes and omissions that you should remember and some important elements you should pay attention to:

• Be careful to make your letter gender-neutral. Using salutations like “Gentlemen” or “Dear Sir” can get you in trouble in a big hurry. It’s better to find out who will be reading your cover letter and use his or her name specifically. If not, stick to “To Whom It May Concern”.

• Customize each cover letter you send. With word processing software, it’s easy to revise titles, names, company names, dates and specific information like a mention of where you saw the job listing. Be sure you don’t accidentally use another company’s information in your letter. Check every version of the cover letter to make sure the information matches the company to which you are submitting your resume. Always include a couple of sentences written especially for each potential employer.

• Briefly tell your story in the letter. Describe your career as a series of experiences that paint a coherent picture of your working life. Telling stories are far more memorable than the recitation of mere facts and statistics, even if they are only a couple of sentences long.

• Use your cover letter to demonstrate how well you communicate in writing.  The cover letter is the written equivalent of the famous “30 second elevator speech”.  In a single page you have the task of telling your career life story. How well you do that, tells potential employers how well you’ll be able to tell about their products or services.

• Highlight your outstanding accomplishments, experiences or skills that relate to requirements of the job in question. The cover letter allows you to pick out things in your resume you want to call attention to.

• Keep your letter to a single page as nearly as possible. About three well-written paragraphs are ideal. For some reason two paragraphs seem like too few and four or more can seem too wordy and likely will not be read.

• Carefully follow all instructions the employer includes in the job posting. If the instructions say to send the resume to a particular person, address your cover letter to that person. Use the format they recommend. Do they want the cover letter and resume emailed? Should it be in PDF, Word or text format? Do they want you to give them your salary requirements? If so, be sure and include them. If you don’t follow obvious instructions like that, you can almost guarantee you won’t be hired.

• Don’t overdo the paper and graphics. Employers handle stacks of applications and resumes when they are looking to hire. It is okay for your cover letter and resume to be distinctive, but don’t overdo the graphics. It should look like a professional resume, not a sales flyer for Furniture Warehouse.  Stick with simple white papers with black type. Readability is critical. Key information should be where it can be easily found.

Remember you only have a moment to tell your story before your cover letter and with it all that hard work you did on your resume get pitched on the “reject” pile. Your cover letter has to make the employer smile and reach for your resume to learn more about the interesting person who wrote that letter.

Imprimis has been around for 30 years, and I have been with Imprimis for more than a third of that time.  Through working in this industry, I have seen the best of employment times and the most challenging of work times when it comes to jobs.  Let’s face it – the staffing industry is an economic indicator of how the world is turning economically.  One question I am asked frequently is – how to look for a job if you already have a job.  It is always best to have a job before leaving a job. So, I wanted to share some tips on the best way to look for a job… quietly!

Getting started:

• Do not use company time or resources while searching for a new job.  Be sure that you are NOT emailing from your work email address, calling from your work phone or faxing from your office fax!  Be respectful of your company and do not abuse their property.  Try to do this early morning before work, during lunch or take some PTO time.  Respect the company you work for and do not interview when you should be working!
• What to wear?  If you work in a business casual environment and your need to wear a suit – change before the interview.  Nothing raises a red flag faster than coming to work in a suit if you normally wear jeans.
•  ZIP IT!!!  Tell no one at your workplace that you are interviewing.  The risk is not worth it!  Sometimes headhunters will call more than one person in a division at a company to see who they can get to nibble on their opportunity – the more great candidates the better!
• You have had the interview, and an offer could be pending… but you want to learn more before making leaving your current job…  Take a vacation day, and go shadow someone at that company.  You will learn a lot by observing first-hand what the culture is like and how the department works.

Where to go from there: 

• If you are going to use a recruiting/staffing agency – use one you trust and you know.  Can they keep your information private, or are they going to “tattle” on you to  your boss and see if they can refill your position?  The more the merrier is not the case here.  If you are posted all over the job boards, and meeting with multiple recruiting agencies, it will come back to haunt you!  Remember, there are still lots of people out there who want your job if you don’t!  With a trusted recruiting source, they can market your resume to clients without anyone knowing.  Recruiters love passive candidates because no one else knows that they are on the market.  This type of candidate is in high demand and a rare find.
• Don’t post the same resume on multiple  job boards…  You never know who is looking.  If you post your resume, confidentially – remember that people can still figure out who you are depending how specific you are your job duties/industry description.  If you want to use multiple job boards, be sure to change your resume up each time and stay confidential.
• There is no such thing as a “Delete” button on the internet. Don’t speak negatively on social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.  Once it’s on Google – it never goes away.  And you never know who is watching your posts!
• Always keep your LinkedIn profile updated and continue to build your connections. With a fully optimized profile, you are 40-times more likely to be offered a new opportunity.  Recruiters and Hiring Managers are always looking for passive candidates on LinkedIn.
• Read the paper – Business journals, special interest papers, etc.  Notice who is being promoted and who is moving to a new position.  Send a congratulatory handwritten note and connect with them.  Have you ever thought about asking for an informative interview from someone?  The purpose would be to get their perspective on what they do and what it would take to be a good job fit for the position.  Who knows, after you two meet over coffee (that you pay for) – they may recommend you for their replacement.
• Get creative – find out who the hiring contact is for the position and reach out to them to learn more.  Most postings go to a big recruiting inbox and most likely there are hundreds of people sending their information to the same posting.  Why would they pick you?  Did you know that certain companies will turn off this inbox once a certain number of applicants have hit the capacity?  For example : 200 resumes are in the inbox and you are resume number 201 – You missed the cut and your opportunity. We have many clients that use recruiters because they do not have the time to look through hundreds of non-qualified candidates.
• Apply to positions that you are a close fit for. Don’t waste your time or the inquiring company’s time if your skills don’t fit the description in some way.  I am a believer for having job aptitude and personality fit, but you also have to have some transferable skill set that would work .
• Sending a resume?  Keep it short and to the point.  Remember someone has to look through these resumes and you have about 20 seconds to catch the reviewers eye – time to make a first impression…  Leave off your personal interests. Who cares if you like scuba diving, and belly dancing? Leave that chat for the interview.  Also, no personal stats or pictures!
• Where did all the people go?  Has someone recently left your company and you keep in touch?  What a great way to get your foot in the door and to have someone vow for you about your character and work ethic.  A personal endorsement is the best endorsement out there!

What is next for you?  I wish you the best in your stealth job hunting.  If I can help – call or email me.  I promise “mum’s” the word…  SHHHHH.

By: Elizabeth Jee – Business Development Manager at Imprimis

With fourteen years of experience in the staffing industry, Beth is passionate about making an impact on a person’s life, especially by finding a person the right job and finding a company the right person. Beth began her career in the staffing industry as a recruiter, which gives her a more in-depth perception of the industry and how important a culture-fit is to an organization. As a Business Development Manager, she takes pride in working with all levels of management, staff, and associates within an organization, and believes in giving outstanding customer service. Clients can always depend on Beth and her ability to create a relationship based on trust.  She does the extra mile to get things done in a creative way, and has a great sense of humor as an Improv comedian. To contact Beth, email ejee@imprimis.com.

When you are looking for a position it is a smart move to leverage the knowledge and experience of a highly respected staffing agency that places people with your skill set.  When you are aligned with the right agency, your recruiter can help you see where you currently fit into the candidate pool and how you might fit into other companies.  They can share with you the hiring trends of various companies and industries to see if it is the right time to start a job search.  In addition, they can help you wade through all things that need to be considered when you make a switch to a new company or are negotiation with your current one.  Use your recruiter’s knowledge of the green grass on the other side of the fence to see if you should cross over or if you are better off watering your own grass.

Starting a new job is a challenge whether you have been working for years or just beginning.  Assimilating from what you knew before to where you are now is sometimes scary and hard.  If you worked with an agency to find that job, they will have knowledge of previous employees and know the manager’s personality and preferences.  In addition, they have a wide base of experience from which to pull in order to guide you as to handle certain circumstances, how to approach different topics with your co-workers and help you determine if it is something you may have to just “get over”.  If you found your job through an agency, lean on your recruiter and account manager to help you once you are there.

Leaving a position is often more difficult than starting a new one.  Whether you are leaving on your own accord or you find yourself out of a job after years with the company, making that move is daunting.  Your recruiter can help you compose a letter of resignation as well as help you formulate the best time and manner in which to resign.  Having some support on a professional level during that time is very helpful.  In today’s economy many people find themselves changing jobs frequently because of company layoffs.  When you talk with your recruiter together you can develop a way to capitalize on your strengths and use the recruiter’s reputation to help you get in places that you wouldn’t get into on your own.

We all know that referrals are a powerful way of getting into places you wouldn’t be able to get into on your own and a staffing agency is an excellent place to get that referral.  The staffing agency, in many cases, has worked with their clients for a number of years and has intimate knowledge of the company, its culture, the hiring managers and their expectations.  When a recruiter sends over a resume to a client, it isn’t just the resume that is considered.  The reputation of the staffing agency, as well as that of the account manager and recruiter all support that resume.  The client often will take the words of the recruiter and account manager, as well as the success of their relationship, over what is on the resume.

The key to all of this is that you have to work with a staffing agency that specializes in your skill set, a recruiter with whom you can have open communication, and an account manager that builds strong relationships with the clients, but most of all, you need to see them as them as a partner.

By: Sarah Turner – Senior Staffing Consultant & Recruiter at Imprimis

Sarah Turner currently holds the position of Senior Staffing Consultant/Recruiter for Imprimis.  She has industry experience from the brokerage industry where she held a Series 7 & 66 and Group 1 Life Insurance licenses. Previously she specialized in staffing for accounting and finance.  At Imprimis, she recruits for office, accounting, bilingual, customer service, medical, mortgage and banking, and professional positions.  She holds a BBA from University of North Texas. To contact Sarah, email sturner@imprimis.com.

On the Imprimis Staffing Facebook page you will find current job opportunities, industry articles & trends, tips & helpful resources as well as local professional events.  We encourage followers to interact and engage with the page.

At Imprimis, we take pride in helping our clients and associates achieve their professional goals.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Imprimis Group “Spring Cleaning for You and Your Career” Contest starts at 8:00 a.m. CT on 4/2/12 and ends at 5:00 p.m. CT on 5/25/12. Open only to legal Texas residents age 18 or older. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for details.

I listened to author Bill Holland being interviewed this weekend. His new book is Cracking the New Job Market.  He has 7 rules for getting hired in any job market.

His most important point seems to be “value creation”.  You must reflect HOW your skills and talents are a MATCH for the job you are applying for. Candidates seeking positions must get away from a “one size resume fits all’.  Infusing value in your resume, identifying specifics of why you are a match for this company’s need is what will be your key to an interview and while writing that resume you will become prepared for the face to face.

Visit this website for unique ways to approach the job market.

http://crackingthenewjobmarket.com/

By: Bonnie Fish – Account Executive at Imprimis Group, Inc.

Bonnie is an expert in the staffing industry and offers knowledgeable and insightful solutions that impact hiring needs. She is dedicated to understanding your business and is looking forward to providing a consultative approach. To contact Bonnie, email bfish@imprimis.com.

It’s Valentine’s Day and Love is in the air… Can you feel it? I remember when I was  in school and wrapping a shoe box in red paper, gluing various heart themed items and slitting a whole in the top of it big enough to fit all types of treats, cards and notes… The anticipation of great things to come was incredible! Who could forget THE Candy?…  (Sweethearts) conversation hearts with some of my favorite sayings: Fax me, Be Good and Hope.  In most offices, Valentine’s candy still surfaces and brings back happy memories

There are few times in life when you get to feel that excitement for something that you know is coming… opening and reading the Valentine’s cards in your Valentine box at school, a first date, and your first day on the job.  I always wondered how you keep that love for your job constantly going and growing. Let’s face it, you spend more hours at your job awake than any other part of your day…

So, I wanted to share what I found out through personal experience and research to help you love the work you do…

1. First things first – before you get out of bed, start the day thinking positive thoughts.  On an index card on your bedside table, write a positive thought to start your day.  Do you eat breakfast? As much as those powdery nuggets of donut love are delish… they leave you feeling sluggish in about an hour… No one needs to be off first thing in the morning, so take some time to eat a balanced meal.  Most people have a commute to work and you need to be as mentally alert and ready for the drive into the office.  What are you listening to on your way into work?  Have you ever tried listening to something positive?  This could  help get you motivated for the day ahead!  What about starting your day a little earlier?  This would help ensure such great things as a great parking space, a cup of coffee, some quite time before the rest of your team comes in and help get your day off to a great start be being productive.  How awful is it when you are late to work?  Don’t you feel like your whole day is off?  On the elevator ride to your office, did you greet everyone in the elevator? If you did, I bet they greeted you back!  The same theory goes first thing in the morning at work- greet your coworkers and they will greet you back!
2. Congratulations- you made it to work safe and sound and there you are at your desk… what do you see?  Is your work space clean and organized or is does your desk look like a giant junk drawer?  What are you looking at and what is looking at you?  Do you have some pictures surrounding you of friends and family that bring you a smile.  Can you post some personal notes of work accomplishments and goals you are trying to achieve?  If you become stressed at work, take a “mental margarita break” to admire and focus on the pictures/sayings around you. If you are stressed at the desk, than write it down and throw that piece of frustration paper away!  If you work in a cubicle environment and share windows with a work neighbor, do you have something you mutually enjoy to look at?  Can you take a minute to scribble something on a post a note that makes your work neighbor smile?  I promise the favor will be returned when you need it most!
3. Having a stressful moment at work?  Take a break and take a walk outside or on another floor. Sometimes getting away from the problem is the best way to solve the problem.  Take a step back and see if you are the cause of the problem. Can you offer an uncommon solution? Misery loves company, but only for a few minute. Being able to vent about work is helpful, but once the issue is vented, think of a solution to the problem and put it in action.
4. In need of some work bonding?  Initiate something fun and see if you can create a committee at work to work with you.  We started an onsite Yoga class, all of us were at different levels, but all got something great out of the class.  Does your group eat lunch at the same time? Create a “no talking about work rule” at the table.  Are you a mentor to someone at work, or are you being mentored at work?  This will remind you that you have a purpose and are needed. Are you attending networking events on a regular basis?  The more you attend, the more friends you will have, and more support there waiting for you.
5. Keep your balance.  Remember to take your vacation.  A break from the office can help you recharge you life battery.  Did you bring some small wacky souvenirs from your vacation back for your coworkers?  It helps the people who stayed behind and covered for you feel appreciated!

Now… back to work you go… and check your inbox! If you need me to send you a Valentine this year- send me an email and I will…  We all need to be reminded that we have a purpose, and  how great it is to do we what love and love what we do!

By: Elizabeth Jee – Business Development Manager at Imprimis

With fourteen years of experience in the staffing industry, Beth is passionate about making an impact on a person’s life, especially by finding a person the right job and finding a company the right person. Beth began her career in the staffing industry as a recruiter, which gives her a more in-depth perception of the industry and how important a culture-fit is to an organization. As a Business Development Manager, she takes pride in working with all levels of management, staff, and associates within an organization, and believes in giving outstanding customer service. Clients can always depend on Beth and her ability to create a relationship based on trust.  She does the extra mile to get things done in a creative way, and has a great sense of humor as an Improv comedian. To contact Beth, email ejee@imprimis.com.

Not too long ago I adopted an interest in golf – I envisioned spending quality time with family and friends, staying in shape, and enjoying some of the most picturesque and beautiful landscapes – and then I quickly realized, I didn’t know the first thing about golf except that it is physically and mentally challenging and no round of golf is ever the same. Golf is the simplest of sports…hitting a ball with a stick.  And, at the same time one of the most frustrating, complex and exciting games undertaken.  I was going to need some help – professional help!

I called a friend who called a friend and there he was, a former professional golfer who provided private lessons and taught on the high school level.  I was hopeful this was going to work, afterall, I was on the pre-school level.

When I arrived at the driving range, we chit-chatted a little bit…how are you, I’m fine, thanks…how’s business? He said he was glad I called; things have been really slow for him. He mentioned that due to the economy his supplemental income had dropped dramatically.

He asked to see my swing, (or my rendition of a swing anyway) and quickly noticed a slight grimace on my face. Not because the ball was still in the same position before I swung, but because of the twinge in my left hip.  He then started shaking his head.

“Golf seems like a low-key sport to the casual observer.” he said.  (And I’m ready to get the ball rolling…literally!)

“I understand you’re mentally ready to learn, but physically, not so much.  Why don’t you get your hip checked out and let’s decide after that if your body is prepared for the challenge?”

And? Are you selling golfing services now? I thought to myself.

I was a bit confused, then amazed. Here was a man who was hurting for business, and he was discouraging me from using his services because he was concerned about my welfare.

I reassured him that the hip had been checked out, was healing and would be fine.  He emphasized that learning the proper posture to keep when swinging—with my back straight, feet planted shoulder-width apart, balance distributed equally on both legs–can make a difference in the amount of strain I put on my back, hips and neck and can even improve my playing results; and that would be his initial focus during our beginning sessions….once I had an opportunity to completely mend.

I was going to “shop around” for a better deal…I even planned on asking him for his “best price”.  But at that point, I trusted that he was going to give me a fair deal.  After all, he was ready to walk away without a new client.  Wow.

I’m really excited to have him as my instructor and I also trust that he has my best interest in mind.

In the staffing industry there are firms who feel they need to sell on offering the lowest mark-up. But it feels much better to sell based on trust and expertise. The buyer or end user is happy to do business with someone they trust will deliver the best service at a reasonable price as opposed to being forced to buy from the cheapest. The staffing firm is not constantly on edge about having to cut-corners just to remain competitive on pricing, which in turn, allows them to focus more on quality.

By: Shelly Broussard – Business Development Manager at Imprimis

With seven years of experience in business development, Shelly is passionate about authenticity and it shows in her management style.  What sets Shelly apart from others in her role is her emphasis on value: “If I’m not adding value, I am defeating my own purpose”.  Apart from her work, Shelly’s interests include cycling, golfing, and gardening.  After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Shelly worked as a sales trainer and pharmaceutical sales rep before joining the Imprimis team. To contact Shelly, email sbroussard@imprimis.com.

Well, another year is here and the question of “What are your resolutions this year” seems to be coming at me from all directions.

There are always the typical, easy ones to state, though difficult, or IMPOSSIBLE, to keep such as, “I am going to never eat sugar again” or “My desk will be organized and tidy at the end of each day” (that is one I make every year and fail miserably on about day 4) or, of course, the typical and popular, “I am going to lose 10 lbs and work out for an hour ever day.”  Hmmm, for those with a determined list in hand, these seem to last about a week and then it’s straight back to a messy desk and the hidden stash of chocolate for late afternoons.

I am one of the lucky ones, in terms of fitness, that has always been an athletic and a fitness junkie addicted to endorphins.  I genuinely have sympathy for those who truly believe they are “allergic to sweat”.  However, I would like to urge my friends and colleagues who are afflicted with said physical fitness phobias that there is a plethora of good reasons for working out other than the obvious.  Exercise has been shown to improve mental clarity and memory.  Those who exercise are more productive at work (even with messy desks). Exercise increases the strength of your heart and exercise reduces stress. I am not even talking about a full blown hour a day here folks.   Why not begin with parking farther away from grocery store, or your work place, take the stairs, do a couple laps around the office (I jest here) but you get the idea.

Dr. Ronald Petersen, director of the Alzheimer’s Research Center at the Mayo Clinic, said on ABC: “Regular physical exercise is probably the best means we have of preventing Alzheimer’s disease today, better than medications, better than intellectual activity, better than supplements and diet.”  All that is required is raising your heart rate for 30 minutes several times a week.  I believe this benefit in itself is well worth the effort and time invested.

The main point I am trying to emphasize is let’s cease making those YEARLY resolutions that seem to set us up for failure and commit to making Daily resolutions.

I, for one, am going to set DAILY intentions for both my work goals and my fitness/health plan.  One day at a time and before we know it, no more hidden chocolate stash, we have more energy, we are sharper,  we are accomplishing more, and hey, not many people have to look at my messy desk anyway!

By: Bonnie Fish – Account Executive at Imprimis Group, Inc.

Bonnie is an expert in the staffing industry and offers knowledgeable and insightful solutions that impact hiring needs. She is dedicated to understanding your business and is looking forward to providing a consultative approach. To contact Bonnie, email bfish@imprimis.com.

Last week a reporter from the CW33 channel did a story about “lying on resumes”.  She interviewed a dentist who fired about 30 people who had good resumes but could not do the work.  Then she interviewed me about the prevalence of resume fraud and fudge and what employers can do about it.  So here’s my take on the issue:

I’ve heard statistics that throw out 40% as the percent of resumes that contain fabrications or exaggerations.  In my experience, I’d say that figure is probably true.  It’s more difficult these days to lie about degrees, certifications, felonies and misdemeanors, credit history, driving record, salary,  etc. because those items are more easily checked through background screens and other supporting documents.    What is more difficult is employment history, real reasons for leaving a job  and skills/knowledge  proficiencies.  A job hopper may choose to leave out some of their very short-term jobs; a bilingual person may not have enough proficiency in speaking a particular language, a social media expert may not be an expert at all.

Job seekers are getting wise to applicant screening systems which are looking for key words to screen out the mass of resumes submitted.  So job seekers are responding by trying to fit as many key words and phrases into their resumes to fit these very tight job descriptions that companies are now writing.  In the past few years, job seekers who are desperate for interviews, will wordsmith their resumes to try to fit into whatever job description possible.  They may have some of the skills and background required, but not all; therefore, they fudge on their resume to make it look like they have the whole package.

Companies should always perform due diligence on prospective employees – background screen for credentials and criminal activity, driving record, credit history.  If salary history is important, ask for a W-2.  Drug tests are increasingly becoming part of the hiring process.  Testing is the best means for discovering whether one can actually perform a job – and this includes having experts or people doing the job screen for proficiencies.  If a company has only one Network Administrator and no one else in the company has that skill, then find an expert and pay them to screen the candidate.  At Imprimis, we have a whole list of language proficiency experts that we use to vet candidates.  Check references and make your candidate give you the names and phone numbers of previous bosses so that they can be called.  The internet can sometimes find useful information about the candidate.  Your own network can provide useful connections to people who may have worked with this candidate.  It’s a smaller world out there than you can imagine.

As for job seekers, be as truthful as possible while making yourself look as good as possible.  We all know that a resume is supposed to make you look your best and resume preparers seek to help you stand out; but lies are  unacceptable.  When discovered, it calls into question everything else in your background — trust is destroyed and can’t be replaced.

Clip from CW33 news cast.